Words: Gentleman's Journal
This year has been eventful for premium SUVs. Bentley launched its Bentayga and Jaguar went after its sister brand Land Rover’s territory with the F-Pace. But now it’s finally the turn of the Italians, with the Maserati Levante.
Named after an easterly wind blowing across the Med, The Levante comes in two guises: a 3.0-litre V6 diesel (271bhp) and a Ferrari-sourced 3.0-litre V6 petrol (424bhp). It’s a well-proportioned beast, with its narrow headlights and gaping grille evidently influenced by Maserati’s Alfieri concept car.
Inside the cabin there’s the usual fare of high-grade leathers, Alcantara trim and silk lining; the result of Maserati’s partnership with Italian tailor Ermenegildo Zegna.
On the road, the diesel Levante is a comfortable, quiet and civilised place to be, but if a fast SUV is what’s required, opt for the V6 petrol, which snarls and crackles as its Ferrari origins would suggest.
In the crowded pool of premium SUVs, the Levante is an impressive all-rounder from the land of slow food and fast cars. Bravo Maserati, the future looks bright.
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